Police sources report that the suspected leader of the criminal gang ‘Aava Group’ attempted to escape protective custody while he was being transported to courts earlier today (17). 

The suspect who is the chief witness in an ongoing investigation was granted bail yesterday (16), by the Jaffna Magistrate’s court. It was however reported that no individual came forward to bail out the suspect following which a hearing was called at the Jaffna Crimes Court today (17).

Reports confirm that the suspect escaped and sought refuge at a relatives residence in Kopai. Following a brief search however, Police officials apprehended the suspect from his place of hiding.  

Sathyavel Nathan Nishanthan, alias “Nisha Victor,” who is also the main suspect in the recent attack on two police officers in Kopai, was taken into custody by the Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) on August 7.  

Two swords and a motorcycle were also taken into custody, the police spokesman said. All six are suspects in the attack in Kopai. 

A series of acts of violence had been carried out in Jaffna suburbs such as Manipay, Kopay and Chunnakam by the sword-wielding Ava Group, believed to be inspired by South Indian films.

The gang in also believed to be behind the recent attack in Kopai. 

Two on-duty police officers attached to the Kopai Police Station were critically injured and hospitalized following a brutal attack carried out by a gang of individuals on motorcycles on July 30.